Hard Reduction Vending Machines, Restaurant Closures, and Affordable Housing
Cheers RVA!
Today will be partly cloudy with a high of 86 and a low of 73, with a chance of more scattered storms in the afternoon.
the juice:
The City of Richmond has installed harm reduction vending machines at two locations in the city, with a third set to open later this month.
The machines provide free, 24/7 access to life-saving resources such as naloxone (Narcan), fentanyl test strips, and personal hygiene items.
Mayor Avula said:
Harm reduction vending machines are a proven tool to prevent overdose deaths and connect individuals with the support they need. Richmond is proud to be among the cities leading with science, safety, and humanity.
More machines are planned to be installed later in the year based on need and community input.
the pulp:
Parking will be closed on Tredegar Street, Brown's Island Way, and South 5th Street as an estimated 15k fans head to Allianz Ampitheater to see the first of two shows by the Dave Matthews Band tonight.
The RTD has compiled a list of 20 restaurants that have closed or will be closing in 2025, including Sam Miller’s which had been in business for 53 years.
the dive:
Henrico’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund, formed last year with a $60 million cash contribution from the county, wrapped up its first year with homes sold and more construction on the way, per Jonathan Spiers at Bizsense.
The program has allocated $8 million to construct 93 homes for those earning 80-120% of the median income in five communities across the county.
Spiers writes:
Henrico’s goal is to produce 750 new homes that are affordable to first-time buyers at as low as 60% AMI over the program’s first five years, using the $60 million in unbudgeted tax revenues that were generated specifically from data centers in the county. Participating developers benefit from incentives such as expedited plan reviews and waived permit and utility connection fees, in addition to the grants.
Read the full article here.
the vibe:
Have a brilliant day RVA!
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